Tom Appl - Family (Karmaloft Music)

Karmaloft artist Tom Appl has been openly experimenting with sonic styles and textures. He works primarily in the realms of deep and tech-house, but incorporates elements from a more mainstream production world. Also releasing under the pseudonym Fruitroom, Tom has a series of well-regarded singles and remixes for the Karmaloft Music label and has been DJ’ing actively since the early ’90s. This penchant for sonic detail is evident in Tom’s latest single, the soaring and inspirational “Family”. Released on Karmaloft Music, “Family” explores multiple movements in its nine minute running time, beginning with a deep groove that steadily builds into layers of synthesized bliss. Bright arpeggiations and dramatic pads quote earlier electronic music precedents, masterfully placed into a swirling and euphoric modern production. The sparse rhythmic and percussion track rolls at a perfect pace, firmly backing the abundant melodies. Tom also supplies a Short Cut version that edits a few minutes from the original, offering a more direct but just as hypnotic ride.

Poenitsch & Jakopic (Disco Art Recordings) – “Beautifully crafted old school vibes from Maestro Appl. Poenitsch & Jakopic will play it!”
Chris Fortier - (Fade / Mindwarp) – “Sounds good.”
Enne (Electunes) – “Massive Track, full support!”
Hightower (Jelewa.de) – “Full Support.”
Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “Beautiful!”
D.J. MacIntyre - “Pretty Track! Good progression.”
Ryan Middleton (FreshNewTracks blog) – “Very spacey.”
Larry Tee (Carnage Music) – “Love it!”
DJ Aldrin (One With Music) – “Nice Vibe!”
xyddhartha (Digital Gathering radio show) – “Melodic & sweet.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, DJ Tunes, And Spotify.

Tom Appl - Two Days (Karmaloft Music)

As a sound engineer, Tom Appl has been openly experimenting with sonic styles and textures, working primarily in the realms of deep and tech-house, but incorporating elements from a more mainstream production world. Also releasing under the pseudonym Fruitroom, Tom has a series of well-regarded singles and remixes for the Karmaloft Music label and has been DJ'ing actively since the early '90s. This latest EP for Karmaloft, titled Two Days, further expands Tom Appl's measure as a producer, seamlessly melding deeper house with progressive and tech-house ingredients.

The Two Days EP opens with "Three Arcade", announcing the proceedings with an infectious sequencer pattern. Plucked-sounding synth melodies and layers of strings develop into a warm arrangement of bass leads and spacey flourishes. A sparser remix from the Dresden-based Matthias Freudmann – a fellow Karmaloft artist – enhances the dream factor in its gentle intro before introducing a growling bass line and a pulsing rhythm. "One Time" may be the most optimistic cut on the release, with its chiming piano chords mixing with Appl's trademark synth strings and percussive splashes. The title track closes the EP on its slightly ominous combination of percussion and synths, welcoming a low, pensive bass drone to the mix. The track's build is resolute, as additional pads and percussion transmit a forlorn melody that leads a dramatic breakdown.

Al Mackenzie (Great Outdoors / Brassneck) - "'Two Days' is bloody ace."
Christian Hornbostel (Hooki-Sonic / Sa Trincha) - "Great job … full support."
Chris Fortier (Fade / Mindwarp) - "Sounds good."
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "'Two Days' has a classic-sounding appeal, like some of the more melodic tech sounds from the mid-'90s … never a bad thing."
Larry Tee - "Weird and nice!"
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - "'Three Arcade' and the Matthias Freudmann remix are stunning."
Pat Lezizmo (Conya Records) - "Great remix from Matthias Freudmann … I love it."
Alcala (Kids Records / Grand Blanc) - "Every track is solid but I really like 'Two Days' the most. Awesome atmosphere without being too chill and dreamy."
DJ Aldrin (Zouk Club / One WIth Music) - "Fab release … perfect for the gigs this weekend."
Nutritious (SpinSpinNYC) - "Yes … this is excellent."
Salvatore Logicfusion (Deepinradio, Greece) - "Uplifting deepness."
Richard Paulose (Vertigo Radio Show) - "Each track is great and unique in its own way."
Martin Madigan (DMC World / DMC Update) - "Four great tracks … I love them!"
Jamie Topham (CDPool) - "Very cool release once again from Karmaloft … I really like the soundscape of 'Two Days' on here."

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and Spotify.

ENNE - Acido Futuro (Karmaloft Music)

Karmaloft Music proudly presents the latest EP from ENNE, the prolific DJ, piano player, drummer, and member of Italo-influenced combo Mohear. With an ever-expanding discography including releases and remix work for the likes of Compost, Nang, and Permanent Vacation, ENNE has been spreading his fancy fusion of spacey house, subversive disco, and cosmic funk far and wide. The Acido Futuro EP collects three top notch club cuts showcasing ENNE's flavorful production and a penchant for incorporating his disparate influences. "Acido Futuro" kicks things off with a strong rhythm line as elements referencing Chicago's old school and European house's new one interact playfully. As anticipated, a heavy acid crescendo takes hold midway, pushing the track effectively beyond the stratosphere. "Beatup" keeps the floor moving with a staccato bell-like pattern, squelchy synth chords, and a filtered, repeating vocal phrase. This one's a builder as a rising sequencer pattern enters the fray with an energizing effect. ENNE gets deeper with "Fear", an expectedly moody and percussive affair that features a hypnotizing spoken female vocal over its steady bass punch. Dramatic piano adds to the sonic tension, helping to create a memorable track for those cerebral nightclub moments.

Randall Jones (Audio Therapy / Baroque) - "'Fear' is extreme fire. This is the type of stuff I'm into … it sounds like Guerrilla Records circa '95."
Minus 8 (Compost / Stereo Deluxe) - "Acid always works!"
Larry Tee (Carnage Music) - "Love these."
Chris Fortier (Fade / Mindwarp) - "Sounding nice."
Gemini Brothers (Skint / Nein) - "Damn, what an EP! Each track is a must for our sets!"
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - "Oh yes!"
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - "Just wonderful, wonderful music here, containing just the right amount of acidity."
Vincent Kwok - "All the tracks have a great old school vibe … I'm loving 'Acido Futuro' in particular."
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "Really crisp production here … you can feel the musicality in the vibes. The pick for me is the warmer 'Fear'. Great percussion and I love the chords that come in as the track progresses."
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - "'Beatup' … rocking track!"
Rory Hoy (Howlin' Records / Super Hi-Fi) - "'Acido Futuro' is just incredible!"
Distant People (Foliage / Seamless) - "Funky little beauty here … a nice nod to the warehouse days."
Martin Madigan (DMC World Magazine) - "Loving it when 'Acido Futuro' comes back in after the break. 'Fear' is also excellent. All tracks have a lovely build and journey."

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, iTunes, and Spotify.

Tom Appl - Something About / Bachversuche (Karmaloft Music)

Karmaloft Music closes out the year with a fantastic double A-side single from Munich-based sound engineer Tom Appl. Tom’s career as a DJ dates back to the early ’90s with the sounds of tech, deep, and melody-infused house music. As a producer he has previously created productions and remixes under the pseudonym Fruitroom, and has frequently appeared on Karmaloft with acclaimed singles and remixes. "Something About" and "Bachversuche" further advance his sleek sound, providing a pair of floor-effective deep house cuts that blend in a number of satisfying tech elements.

"Something About" opens the single with a gentle bell-like melody before launching a tough and intricate rhythm section. A growling bass tone and thick stabs enter, and then a female voice speaks: "There's something about your smile … and the way you move when you're on the dance floor." This all combines in a slightly moody fashion, creating a strongly melodic track well-suited for intimate after hours moments. "Bachversuche" follows, once again introducing a pattern of bells much like its predecessor. The resemblance is quickly swept away by a memorable electric piano line and some smart, kinetic percussion accents. The cut builds steadily, further showcasing Tom's penchant for deftly fusing rhythmic arrangements and striking melodic sequences.

Nick Warren - "Great work from Tom … both tracks are great."
Anthony Pappa - "'Something About' is a cool track … I'll support it."
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch / Mega Jawns) - "A lovely pair of productions here: late night, dark room, closed eyes."
Larry Tee - "I love this."
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "Excellent and original … really strong melodic but powerful cuts here."
Dutchican Soul (Strictly Rhythm / Salted Music) - "Really nice tracks … I'll be playing these out."
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX Radio Show) - "Refreshing and ear perking two-tracker from Tom Appl … I'm liking the vibes on both tracks."
Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) - "Sweet track. Big sound. The type of track the crowd remembers at the end of the night."
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) - "'Bachversuche' is a masterpiece."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "Tasty. I'm digging the hypnotic feeling of 'Something About' … and 'Bachversuche' will sound amazing dropped at that perfect moment."
SimonG (Deep South Audio) - "Two quality cuts … both with exciting well-honed sounds. Lush … a sound engineer at work, for sure."
Tariq Ziyad (New Urban ERA) - "Enchanting sounds and rhythms … full support."
DJ Di Costa (MoodyLushious Influences) - "Haunting melodies, well driven vibe. I'm liking this two-tracker."

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and iTunes.